Bowflex has been a player in the household fitness industry for forty years, having released its first product in 1986. I still remember my first home workout using an original Bowflex machine when I was a kid; my first experience with strength training. While many of the components have been modernized over the years, and Bowflex now offers other training tools like adjustable dumbbells, the company still relies on its unique rod resistance systems for its all-in-home gyms.
The Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym allows users to perform over 70 different exercises, mostly focused on the upper body, and it still uses rods and pulleys. It features a similar price to many of the best functional trainers on the market, but with its unique design, is it worth adding to your home gym?
In this Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym review, I’ll share the pros, cons, and everything we learned while testing this all-in-one cable machine.
Our Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym Review, Summarized
The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym offers plenty of versatility, especially for upper-body workouts. However, the rod weights feel more like using resistance bands than traditional weights, and since it doesn’t use weight plates, you’re really locked into the Bowflex ecosystem with this functional trainer. It can be a great choice for beginners, but those serious about strength training should probably look elsewhere.
How We Test Functional Trainers
For this category, we’re looking to assess both the construction and materials to provide our best estimate as to how long a given functional trainer should last. We look at the frame materials, pulleys, as well as any noticeable wobbling or shaking while using the machine.
To earn 3 out of 5 stars for this category, a functional trainer doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy, but it may have cheaper components like nylon pulleys, which often feel smoother than aluminum pulleys, but don’t last as long.
A functional trainer should allow users to perform a wide variety of exercises compared to a more specialized piece of equipment. This category is based on the number of exercises offered, how many body parts you can train, and how much resistance it provides.
For an average 3 out of 5 score, we want to see moderate weight and the ability to perform pull-ups or lat pulldowns, though lower-body training may be difficult due to the design and functionality.
For this specific review, value isn’t just based on the price, but whether or not we feel you’re getting what you’re paying for. We typically rate functional trainers based on the price, since they offer similar features, but the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE is unique.
While most functional trainers receive 3 out of 5 stars if they cost between $3,000 and $4,000, we took extra care to examine the features offered by Bowflex and determine their overall worth, rather than giving it an automatic 5-star rating due to its low cost.
For each functional trainer we test, we make sure to try as many exercises as possible, testing the various weight options, pulleys, and adjustment mechanisms.
After using the machines, our testers use our functional trainer testing methodology to calculate a final review score. This rates the product on a scale of 1 to 5 in a number of important categories, including construction, durability, accessories, and more.
Every review we publish is based on hands-on, extensive testing from our roster of expert product testers. Our team includes certified personal trainers, certified nutrition coaches, weightlifters, runners, and gym owners.
In 2025, we helped 2,315 athletes find their ideal functional trainer, and we’re here to help you, too.
The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym is an ideal option for anyone looking to make fitness straightforward. The Xtreme home gym system is a pulley system loaded with 210 pounds of resistance and the ability to perform everything from leg extensions to lat pulldowns.
What our tester says:
“I wouldn’t recommend doing supersets with this machine, or circuit training, just because you’ll have to take a moment to change cables and pipes, depending on the exercises.”
What to Know Before You Buy
- The Bowflex resistance system uses a combination of flexible weight rods and pulleys, which feel very similar to training with resistance bands.
- While we didn’t have any durability concerns during our testing, the rods seem like they may lose a little bit of tension and resistance with years of regular use.
- The Xtreme 2 SE offers an impressive amount of upper-body exercise options, but it’s hard to use the machine for dedicated lower-body training.
Is the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym Worth It?
Even though the Xtreme 2 SE is more affordable than many high-end home gyms, it’s still not cheap, and the resistance profile offered by the weight rods may not appeal to everyone, especially those used to training with free weights. Here’s who we think should consider adding this Bowflex silhouette to their home gym setup, as well as some groups that may want to look elsewhere for training gear.
If you think the Xtreme 2 SE may be a good fit for you, keep reading to check out the detailed specs, and learn about our testing experience and product ratings.
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym: Key Features & Specs
| Price (Original MSRP) | $1,499 |
| Footprint | 63″ L x 49″ W x 83.25″ H |
| Workout Area | 150″ L x 112” W |
| Product Weight | 174 lbs |
| Resistance Type | Power Rod® resistance |
| Weight Options | 210 lbs; upgradeable to 410 lbs |
| Accessories | Foam hand grips, foam multigrips, steel curved lat bar, 6-grip steel straight bar, 2 straight bar straps, 1 ab crunch harness, leg extension system |
| Warranty | 7-year machine, 5-year rods |
Experience Using the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
For this review, our tester was GGR editorial staff member and expert product tester, Jay Serafino. Jay was able to try a variety of exercises on the Xtreme 2 SE, allowing him to feel the resistance, try out different accessories, and carefully rate the overall workout experience.
Overall, Jay felt that the Xtreme 2 SE offers plenty of versatility, but he had a few concerns about the durability and pointed out that it feels very similar to training with resistance bands. For those who have never used bands, they offer accommodating resistance, which means the felt resistance changes throughout the movement.
With something like a cable stack, the weight is constant, but with the Bowflex, the weight increases the further you bend the rods. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it certainly feels different from using traditional functional trainers.
Jay noted, “The feel of the rods took some getting used to; it was more like a resistance band workout than weight training.”
Don’t be alarmed, though, as research shows1 that training with elastic resistance can promote similar strength gains as standard resistance training.
RELATED: Best Resistance Band Exercises
If you’re just looking for a way to enjoy some upper-body focused resistance training at home, and strength training isn’t your primary fitness activity, this could be a great choice. However, if you’re a strength athlete, or someone who’s used to the types of functional trainers you’ll find at most commercial gyms, you may want to consider something else.
The versatility offered by the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE makes it a valuable tool for home gym owners, especially those tight on space. The resistance profile is different from your average cable machine, but I can see it being a great introductory piece for strength training novices. I think of this as a nice stepping stone for garage gym newbies that can eventually upgrade to more traditional setups like a squat rack or all-in-one home gym.
Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym Rating
Construction and Durability
For construction and durability, Jay gave the Xtreme 2 SE a rating of 3.5 out of 5. He didn’t have too many issues during testing, but it wasn’t the most stable functional trainer he’s ever used.
“There was a little bit of wobbling when I used it,” Jay explains. “Overall, it didn’t feel overly sturdy, but it will probably get the job done if you’re not too hard on it.”
He also notes that the rod system felt fine in use, but he had concerns regarding longevity. “The rods themselves seemed mostly sturdy,” he says, “Though I’d be concerned that they’d start to wear out and bow after continued use.”
The warranty on the machine is seven years, but the rods themselves only have a five-year warranty, which supports Jay’s opinion that they’re likely going to be the first component that needs to be replaced.
Footprint
If you’re shopping for a home gym, you may be tight on space, and the Xtreme 2 SE earned 3.5 out of 5 stars for its footprint, which is slightly lower than the average functional trainer score.
“It’s deceptively big,” says Jay. “The machine itself is pretty tall at 83.25 inches, but it’s also wide. There are also a lot of moving parts: The rods, the cables, the attachments, etc. It won’t take up your whole garage, but there’s a lot going on.”
If you have a large area and don’t mind dedicating a significant chunk of floor space to this machine, you likely won’t have any issues. Just know that it’s bigger than it looks, which is worth considering when planning your home gym. If the dimensions are too excessive for your available space, it may be best to opt for more compact exercise equipment.
Versatility
One of the biggest strengths of this machine is the versatility, which earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating. Jay noted that you can train a lot of muscle groups with this all-in-one machine, and Bowflex claims that you can do more than 70 different strength exercises across the profile. Whether you’re looking to train your chest, back, biceps, triceps, or even your legs, Bowflex has you covered.
Jay adds, “It’s not ideal for powerlifters or the like, but you can get some decent upper-body strength training done, as you can do lat pulldowns, chest flies, and more.”
The default weight stack offers 210 pounds of Power Rod resistance, but you can go up to 410 pounds with the $129 upgrade; a nice feature for stronger individuals.
Our biggest callout is the lack of lower-body training. It has a leg extension attachment, and you may be able to recreate certain lower-body movements if you can get creative, but there’s no good way to replicate a squat or deadlift.
Pulleys
As with any functional trainer or home fitness cable machine, the cable pulley system plays a significant role in how the machine feels, especially when it comes to the smoothness of each rep. When rating pulleys, we specifically look for any jumping, sticking points, or uneven movement; for this category, Jay gave the Bowflex 3.5 out of 5 stars.
He said that the pulleys felt fine, especially once he was able to adjust the seat to get the right angle for each movement. They weren’t quite on par with some of the pulleys we see on high-end functional trainers, but they work pretty well with no major issues.
Accessories
For accessories, we’re rating how many attachments are included with a functional trainer, and Xtreme 2 SE earns an average score of 3 out of 5 stars. It’s fine, but nothing too special.
The Xtreme 2 SE includes hand grips, ankle cuffs, two different bar attachments, and an ab crunch harness. It also includes a few workout guides, which can be useful for those new to Bowflex’s unique design.
Jay pointed out that you can add your own attachments if you have them, like rope attachments or different types of handles, but you’ll have to buy them yourself.
“The ability to upgrade to a higher weight is convenient, but you’re locked into the Bowflex ecosystem with this machine,” he says. “It’s not like weight plates, where you can mix and match brands — you’re stuck with the rods.”
Value
Even though this Bowflex home gym isn’t perfect, we love the versatility it offers, and give it a strong 5 out of 5 for the value it provides.
“The ability to perform so many exercises is the selling point here,” Jay explains. “You can find better-constructed upper-body machines, but the amount of different exercises you can do in one spot is impressive for $1,499.”
The brand claims the Xtreme 2 SE offers the ability to perform over 70 different exercises, making it extremely versatile for the price point. If you don’t mind the feel of the rods, which are more reminiscent of resistance bands than free weights, this can be a worthwhile investment for those who want to train their entire upper body with one tool.
Customer Experience
For the customer experience category, we examine things like customer support, the ordering process, financing options, and warranties. Bowflex earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars in this area, based on its well-rounded service bundle.
Financing is available for qualified buyers, and Bowflex has periodic free shipping deals at checkout, though the non-deal price is $199. For $399, you can take advantage of Bowflex’s in-home assembly services where the Xtreme 2 SE is delivered and set up in a room of your choosing.
The warranty coverage is pretty solid, too. Bowflex offers a 7-year warranty on the machine, but only a 5-year warranty on the resistance rods, which indicates they may eventually need to be replaced.
The company also offers a 30-day return window, but Jay notes that you need to check the fine print. The machine has to be returned in ‘like-new’ condition in the original packaging, so if you’ve already assembled it, it may be tricky to get it back into the packaging. If you’re unable to do so, you could be charged a 20% handling fee.
Customer Reviews
At the time of writing, the Xtreme 2 SE has 2,046 customer reviews, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most customers seem happy with their purchase, particularly in regards to the ease of assembly, though some note it can take a little while to learn how to properly use it for each exercise.
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym Vs
If you’re not sold on the idea of using the resistance rods found in the Bowflex functional trainer, there are plenty of other great options to consider at a variety of price points.
For the classic functional trainer experience, our pick for the best overall functional trainer at the time of writing is the REP Arcadia. It features dual 170-pound weight stacks with very smooth pulleys and trolleys. From personal experience, I can say it feels just as good as any commercial functional trainer I’ve used. However, it costs $2,199, so the Xtreme SE 2 may be a better choice for those shopping on a budget.
You can learn more in our in-depth REP Arcadia review.
If you want a more affordable option that still gives you the classic functional trainer experience, we also like the Major Fitness All-In-One Home Gym. For strength athletes, this offers everything you could need, including dual cables, a half-rack, pull-up bar, and landmine attachments.
The Major Fitness All-In-One Home Gym costs less than $1,000, too, but be mindful that it doesn’t come with any weight; you’ll need to factor in the cost of an Olympic barbell and weight plates. Still, we feel it’s a fantastic option for those looking for an all-in-one gym on a budget.
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| Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE | REP Arcadia | Major Fitness | |
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| Footprint | 63″ L x 49″ W x 83.25″ H | 35.8” L x 55.3” W x 80.8″ H | 55.5″ L x 68.9″ W x 82.5″ H |
| Resistance | Manual (max 210 or 410 lbs) | Weight stack (max 170 or 220 lbs) | Plate loaded (max 700 lbs on spotter arms) |
| Accessories | Shoulder harness, hand grips/ankle cuffs, workout guides | Built-in storage, double D-handles, multi-grip pull-up bar, band pegs | Dual pulley system, multi-grip pull-up bar, landmine attachment, band pegs |
| Warranty | 7-year machine, 5-year power rods | Lifetime frame, 1-year parts | 1 year, 35-day money back |
Final Verdict of Our Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym Review
Overall, the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE is well worth considering if you’re looking for a versatile functional trainer on a budget. The only real issue we think people will have is the unique resistance system, which may or may not be a good fit for your training goals.
“It could be great for beginners or for people who want a one-stop shop in their garage and aren’t concerned with working toward a bench or squat PR,” explains Jay. “That said, it’s important to make sure that the machine works for your training style. It offers very little for people who love slinging dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells.”
- The Boxflex Xtreme 2 SE offers over 70 strength training exercises for only $1,499, making it a versatile choice for home gym owners on a budget.
- If you’ve never used resistance bands, we recommend trying some out first to give you an idea of how this functional trainer feels, as it’s quite different from most other machines on the market.
- For those tight on space, you may want to choose something else, as we found this to be surprisingly big after it was fully assembled.
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym Review: FAQs
What exercises can you do with Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE?
The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE allows users to perform over 70 exercises, including lat pulldowns, chest presses, cable flies, leg extensions, and more.
How much room do you need for the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE?
The Xtreme 2 SE has a footprint of 63 inches long by 49 inches wide by 83.25 inches tall. However, Bowflex suggests leaving additional clearance around the machine for safety, so you’ll need plenty of floor space.
Can you actually build muscle with a Bowflex?
Yes, you can adjust the resistance used on each exercise as you get stronger over time, which is the key to building muscle. It feels different than traditional strength training, but it can still work well when following the principles of progressive overload.
References
- Lopes, J. S. S., Machado, A. F., Micheletti, J. K., de Almeida, A. C., Cavina, A. P., & Pastre, C. M. (2019). Effects of training with elastic resistance versus conventional resistance on muscular strength: A systematic review and meta-analysis. SAGE open medicine, 7, 2050312119831116. https://doi.org/10.1177/2050312119831116
